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Sometimes we get Lucky


franklin_h1

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<p>My brother in law came to visit from Ohio recently, along with him came a small cardboard box he presented to me saying 'you're a lucky man, this stuff was going to the landfill'.<br>

He was helping a friend of his clean out his uncles basement, the instructions were simple, 'everything left down there goes to the dump'. As they were moving things out my b - in law came across two brown leather carry bags that looked like they just had to be opened to see what was making them so heavy. As he pulled the zippers on the bags and found some 'old camera stuff' that looked like it was still in ok shape and asked if he could have it for me 'cuz he likes this old camera crap'. He told me he brought everything that was in the bags, but tossed the old leather bags out because he couldn't stand that smell!<br>

I did get lucky! As i unpacked the box the items seemed to get better the deeper i dug.<br>

First out was an old GE light meter that is still working, an Asahi Pentax right angle viewer in its original case, a BR-5 (unknown maker) flash bracket and Nissin Flash, a small (made in Germany) ball head, Accura extension tube set, an Accura 300mm Supertel f5.5 lens, a Culminar 135mm f4.5 Steinheil Munchen lens (that has a Schneider lens cap but i'm not sure if its original to the lens) .<br>

Auto Takumar 35mm 3.5 lens, Honeywell Pentax Spotmatic -SPII with SMC Takumar 55mm 1.8 lens, and lastly a Honeywell Heiland Pentax H2 with the Auto Takumar 55mm f2.<br>

The Spotmatic on first inspection seems to be in fine working order the H2 however would need some work as its has a wrinkled shutter curtain and mirror that stick more often than not.<br>

I'm thinking about sending both for cla and repair service since i've read great things about both the cameras and those Takumar lenses. (recommendations appreciated)</p>

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<p>Oh, very nice. You are fortunate indeed. I would certainly send the H2 out for repair, but I suggest running a roll of film through the Spotmatic first to see what you get. If the meter seems trustworthy, the shutter speeds seem accurate, and there are no light leaks or other problems, then why pay for a CLA?</p>
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<p>The H2s are nicely made cameras, but replacing shutter curtains will probably cost more than the camera is worth (Although if they're performing a proper CLA anyway they may as well be replaced while the camera is apart). I guess if it is worth it to you then go ahead. A CLA on the spotmatic may well be worth the money though.</p>
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<p>Although quite common, the SP11 is a great camera and well worth using. You will be amazrd at the quality of the Super Takumar. The H2's are getting a bit scarce these days and is probably worth getting a quote for repairs as they are also very nice to use. Most repairmen like working on Pentaxes, so the cost should be reasonable.</p>
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